Requiem Mass Held for Late Pope Francis at St. Dominic Savio Church in Tongana, Assam

Dibrugarh, Assam, May 8, 2025: St. Dominic Savio Church in Tongana, Dibrugarh, hosted a solemn Requiem Mass on the evening of May 7, 2025, in honour of late Pope Francis. The service, led by Parish Priest Fr. William Horo, was attended by nearly 200 parishioners, with many wearing black badges on their chests as a sign of mourning.

The event commenced after the evening rosary service, with the hoisting of a black flag in the church courtyard, symbolising mourning. Fr. Horo led the ceremony, after which the faithful observed a moment of silence. A procession, with Fr. Horo carrying a photograph of Pope Francis, then proceeded into the church. As the congregation entered in silence, Fr. Horo placed the image of the late Pope beside the altar, lit a candle, and offered a floral tribute. Later, parishioners followed, coming forward to pay their respects to the late pontiff.

During the Mass, Fr. Horo expressed deep gratitude to God for blessing the Church with Pope Francis, who served as a shepherd for over 12 years. He prayed for the eternal peace of the late pope and invoked blessings for the upcoming election of a new pope, which is currently underway in Rome. Mr. Dominic Kujur, who led the Prayer of the Faithful, remarked, “We are orphaned by the passing away of Pope Francis, but let us pray that we will have a new Pope soon.”

The Requiem Mass at St. Dominic Savio Church provided an opportunity for the local Catholic community to collectively mourn the loss of a beloved leader while also praying for the future of the Church.

By Fr. William Horo